The cultivation of Kasturi Benda (Abelmoschus moschatus) medicinal plant is steadily gaining popularity among farmers, particularly those who are vexed with the monkey menace and ‘unviable conventional farming’.
Several enterprising farmers have been cultivating the medicinal herb in Kallur, Enkur and a few other mandals in the district over the last few years. Their commercially successful farming venture prompted other farmers to take up the cultivation of Kasturi Benda, the seed of which is used in the preparation of some traditional medicine and in the perfume industry.
N. Rama Krishna, a farmer of Botlakunta village in Konijerla mandal, switched over to Kasturi Benda cultivation in June this year, after suffering a series of losses in cotton cultivation due to drought-like conditions and the monkey menace.
“After my bitter experience with cotton and maize cultivation in the past, I cultivated Kasturi Benda in two acres under the guidance of a veteran farmer of Kallur mandal,” said Rama Krishna.
“Now, monkeys don’t venture into my field as they dislike eating this particular variety of medicinal herb,” he remarked, adding that he is expecting an average yield of 300 to 400 kg per acre.
I am also hopeful of an assured income of at least Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh in view of a buy back arrangement with a Karnataka-based firm, he said.
“The Kasturi Benda seed is used in the preparation of traditional medicine for treating nervous disorders, including hysteria,” said J. Marianna, Horticultural Officer, Khammam.
The flowers, roots, leaves, stem and bark of the medicinal herb are also in high demand, he said.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/farmers-find-a-good-alternative-in-kasturi-benda/article6617002.ece